An arbitration panel has upheld the Premier League's decision not to deduct points from West Ham United as punishment for breaking the rules over their signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

The panel's decision means that Sheffield United's hopes of reclaiming their Premier League status are now in tatters.

Sheffield United had launched an appeal after they were relegated on the last day of the season (losing to Wigan) and West Ham stayed up (after beating Manchester United).

The Hammers had earlier been fined a record £5.5 million for their handling of the two Argentine players' transfers.

The Blades had wanted the panel to order a new disciplinary commission that might have decided to dock West Ham points.

Sheffield United also lost another claim - made jointly with Fulham - that the Premier League should have forced West Ham to de-register Carlos Tevez.

A statement from the arbitration panel read: "The tribunal have found in favour of the FA Premier League on both issues and dismissed the claims of Sheffield United FC and Fulham FC."

The three-man panel, headed by retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton, did not have the power to change West Ham's punishment but could have ordered a new independent commission to judge the case.

The decision means that Sheffield United must now prepare for life in the Championship, while the Hammers are preparing for another Premiership campaign.

Sheffield United spokesman Toby Craig said the Blades were considering the decision regarding their "campaign for fairness."

goal.com